Judge Keeps Miami Carol City Out of Football Playoffs

Miami Carol City’s football season ended after a judge refused to lift the association’s postseason suspension. The ruling came on November 6, the day the association released its playoff brackets. The Chiefs finished the season 7-3.

The penalty followed a fight after an October 2 game against Georgia’s Grayson High School. Video showed a Carol City player shove an opponent down and punch him. The association suspended 15 Carol City players, fined the school $1,500 and barred the program from postseason play.

The FHSAA said its decision reflected concerns about oversight of the football program, not only the altercation. It also cited earlier disciplinary issues, along with a report that a player had shoved an official during the summer. The association had placed the program on restrictive probation and required an athletic department compliance workshop.

School officials sought reconsideration, saying students had been disciplined and coaches had received training. Grayson’s coach also appealed for Carol City players to have the opportunity to compete in the postseason. The school’s challenge did not succeed, and the published playoff field did not include the Chiefs.